The Hamilton County Health Department wants residents to know what their risks are this Thanksgiving holiday and how they can protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Typical holiday gatherings and activities could cause people to come in contact with the COVID-19 virus.
“We understand that families and friends want to celebrate this holiday season,” says Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes, “So we want everyone to know how they can stay safe and prevent the virus from spreading.”
Individuals and families should consider the following risks in their observances of Thanksgiving:
Lower-risk options
Celebrating at home with household members only, using internet technology to connect with family members who live outside of your household, preparing traditional family recipes for at-risk family members and neighbors and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve close contact, watching parades or sports from home instead of attending in person.
Moderate-risk options
Hosting a small gathering of non-household members outside on your patio or lawn, while still keeping household units separated by 6 feet. Hugging and handshaking can increase the risk of exposure.
Higher-risk options
Large indoor gatherings with people from outside your household, attending crowded parades, shopping in crowded stores. Alcohol use can contribute to letting down your guard on safety precautions.
Avoid travel if possible
Risk of virus transmission increases when travel includes close contact with people outside of your household, airports and layovers, and other public transportation such river boats, cruise ships, buses or trains.
The more stops along the way, the higher the risk.
College students returning home for the holiday should not be considered household members for the purposes of determining your risk.
Prevent spread of COVID-19
• Monitor your health daily. If you have any symptoms, regardless of how mild they may seem, do not leave home or attend any gatherings. Leave the house only to seek medical care or to get tested for COVID-19.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around people who don’t live in your household.
• Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
Get a Flu shot
• The Health Department offers free flu vaccine for all ages. Call the Health Department’s hotline at 423-209-8383 or visit their online calendar for details.
• Ask your health care provider or local pharmacist about the flu shot.
• Reducing your chances of getting the flu will help make this a safer holiday season.
Information about Thanksgiving safety and the prevention of COVID-19 transmission: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html
Free Health Department COVID-19 testing at the Alstom site is open daily 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., but will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after. Daily testing will resume the Saturday, Nov. 28.
Questions: 423 209-8383, http://health.hamiltontn.org